The Bohemian Spirit is holding me Prisoner

Prague-city

 

I know I shouldn't say this, but Prague is taking place where I hold Paris. It is true.

 

Prague is beautiful. Paris is beautiful. Paris has been free and available to many for years, whereas Prague has not. Though since the opening of the iron curtain Prague has leaped and bound towards its rightful place: A jewel in the crown of beautiful cities. If I were Paris or Rome, I would be slightly jealous. Prague is a flower, not a garden yet in full bloom. It has potential; it has wealth not altogether revealed; it has people ready to express themselves and plenty of room to do so. Compared to other cities in the crown, Prague is affordable. It gives you the best for a fraction of the cost.

Prague statue

One of the many statues in Prague, this one offers a key to the city.

 

Lamps prague

Prague offers a variety of things to do, yet if you walk down the streets, you are soaked with beauty, history, and culture… the senses are instantly saturated.

Evening concerts, boat rides along the river, ghost trails, museums, parks…

Prague does not know how to disappoint one's desires.

Prague violin player on bridge

A man played the violin on the St. Charles bridge, bringing people to tears with his music. Behind him was the backdrop of the old city; in front of him, he placed candles. The constant crowd of people dropped coins into his waiting hat while he played; they did not wait but gave in advance, hoping he would not stop playing.

French Husband leaned in and whispered, "Pure romance."

 

Prague facade old city

 

Prague restarurant

We had dinner in one of the many restaurants on the water with a view. Dining out is far less expensive than it is in Paris. The same quality, view, and location in Paris would have cost us four times as much, hindering us from taking part in the French cuisine for which France is famous. In Prague, we have a kitchen in our apartment, yet we have not used it once. Dining out in Prague is a luxury, temptingly easy on the pocketbook that we cannot refuse to let it feed us.

Prague church star 

The churches in Prague…. left me speechless. One masterpiece after another… and being a girl who has seen a few churches in her lifetime, for me to be silent is an unlikely confession.

Arcades prague

Prague view from palace

While walking the streets, I keep thinking about how Prague will grow, continue to seduce hearts and minds, inspire creativity and artistic genius, and be a treasure chest for centuries because it is and has been given the key to freedom.

Prague-angels-statues  

 

Sure I love Paris and Rome.. but Prague has something unique going on… it gives you its keys, inspiring you to feel like you can be part of its story because it has room to grow and a desire to be inventive… Yes, its bohemian spirit sips into one's soul and gives your feet a stage to float gracefully anew.

St Charles Bridge lucky spot

"Charles Bridge: The Charles bridge (Karluv Most) boasts 32 points of interest in 520m / 1720ft. Visitors will find everything from a lucky plaque you rub to one of the finest examples of Gothic gates and artists lining the walkway.

Built in 1357, the Charles Bridge had an auspicious start. A great deal of luck was required to avoid being destroyed by floods. This luck was provided by having the initial bridge stone laid in 1357 on the 9th of July at 5:31. This date is a palindrome: 135797531. Also taken into consideration was the alignment of the bridge. It perfectly aligns with the tomb of St Vitus and the setting sun on the equinox. Roman engineering also

helped!

River running through prague

To see who the bridge was named after, go to the Old Town end of the bridge, and here you will find a statue of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV with four women at the base.

St charles bridge dog bad luck

The statue of John of Nepomuk, unveiled in 1683, is the oldest monument on the Charles Bridge. Rubbing the plaque at the base of the figure is considered lucky but be sure of your wish; you are only allowed one rub and wish per lifetime! Don't touch the dog; it's considered unlucky."

Lock on tower in prague

I promise I did not make my wish on the dog on the St Charles bridge… Instead, I hiked up one of the many bell towers in Prague, where one must hike up two hundred and fifty tiny steps straight up, that is! On the top, there was a handcuff on the balcony. I put my wrist in the loop, Imagine people being tortured like this… outside, the bells ringing, and held prisoner in Prague. I screamed,
"Take me. I love you!"



Comments

35 responses to “The Bohemian Spirit is holding me Prisoner”

  1. Walking over the Charles Bridge at night is among our favorite memories from our visit to Praha a few years ago. Other: a boat trip on the river with lunch on the boat, the old city where I hardy could leave the glass windows in the cathedral, the Jewish quarter……oh, there are so many.
    In a couple of months my husband and I are going to Krakow. I wonder if it has the same charm as Praha…..

  2. welltraveled10

    Thank you dear Corey for letting me come along with you and relive my trip to Prague almost 20 years ago..

  3. I have added Prague to the places I must visit. Thank you Corey for sharing this trip with us. Prague is gorgeous!!!

  4. Yea! You made it it! What a wonderful city. Maybe some day……

  5. Thanks for the vicarious vacation. Lovely to see it through your eyes. 🙂

  6. Thanks for sharing all your photos! I agree it is a beautiful city. I can’t wait to go there someday.

  7. How nice to be transported to Prague as I sit in the middle of America drinking my morning tea! Thank you so much for sharing your trip.
    Carla 🙂

  8. Thank you for showing us Prague through your eyes, Corey. I had not thought of Prague as a place to visit but it is now on my list of dreams.

  9. What a treat to see Prague through your eyes … you have such a gift, and it’s a gift to all of us that you’re sharing. Thanks, Corey … makes me want to reschedule a trip to Paris and Prague that I had to cancel numbers of years ago. Maybe it’s time … sending you both hugs!

  10. Wonderful post, Corey. Beautifully said.

  11. Holy moly, Batwoman!
    Believe it or not I know a Parisian and a Quebecoise who have lived in Montréal for decades and are well-traveled. They went to Prague, according to my French husband, to whom I am speaking about your trip, and, of all things, they hated it! Can you imagine?
    I like your story much better. It reminds me of Juliette Binoche in Milan Kundera’s “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.”
    Love Prague some more just for me!

  12. Gorgeous and your photos bring it all back to me. I think you may have dined in the little restaurant I mentioned – the picture taken from the window looks like it. Decent food, reasonable price, lovely view. As to things being inexpensive in Prague…yes, unless you use the taxis. Then you must have them quote you a price before you depart or you are “skinned alive.” (according to our B & B hostess) So happy you are having a good trip and that the weather has held for you.

  13. prague was my son’s most favorite place when he went to europe this summer. it was beautiful but he said the people there were so open and friendly. thanks for the photos-his were from a 19 year old point of view!

  14. I guess this makes you “La Bohème” now — huh, Corey? Glad you’re both having such a great time.
    I echo a question re the mechanics of blogging on the road that was asked by a visitor on an earlier post of yours: Given your limited ability to pack, did you bring along a laptop, or are you loading daily blog material from, say, an Internet café or public library? At the risk of pulling the curtain away from the “wizard” (LOL!), some of us would enjoy seeing how it’s done.

  15. Wonderful post… you have inspired me to visit. Eastern Europe seems to be an undiscovered gem.

  16. Thanks for taking us all along with you. Prague looks spectacular! Who knew!!

  17. Ana Jacas

    The beauty of your words convey the beauty of the city. I felt enveloped in the splendour and gentle beauty that you behold. I like the fact that it is affordable another place to visit.
    ana

  18. Prague seems so devine! Thanks so much for taking the time to share so much of your trip. Have you seen any wonderful antique shops?

  19. I remember a little boy playing recorder at the end of the Charles Bridge when I was there in 1993. He was adorable, and everyone loved to give him some coins. He couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old then, which makes him 20 or so now. Wow!
    When I read your words in love with Prague, I can feel it exactly. I was/am too, though it’s been many years. It’s long been my dream to show Prague to my husband and children, who are now 10 and 12. We plan to go to Europe next year, and we’ll have to make it to Prague–finally. I’m glad to see it hasn’t changed much. I’ve feared for it growing, getting more expensive (it was extremely cheap in 1993, even for a grad. student like me!).

  20. Julie Ann Evins

    Another love affair begins. Wouldnt it all be beautiful in the snow ? You bring it to life Corey, thank you, Julie x

  21. Thankyou for taking us on this adventure with you. I love putting your pictures on my desktop. I’m Clarice’s mom. Linda

  22. Carol Lucero

    I’m so grateful that you are sharing your splendid vaction. You write so beautifully. We couldn’t afford a trip this year but I feel like I’m on one each time I read your eloquent posts. merci beaucoup!

  23. A beautiful city I would love to visit…….perhaps one day.

  24. charming post…;)

  25. I visited Prague years ago shortly after it opened its borders and loved it. The people were so friendly and happy we were there. The food was good and the river… I loved the river. Smetana’s Moldau (I don’t remember the “official” name of the piece) takes me back there every time I listen to it. I’d love to go back to the Czech Republic and see some of its other areas too.
    Thanks for sharing!!!

  26. Another beautiful entry, Corey.
    If your readers never wanted to go to Prague they certainly will now and Prague will love you back for the tourism you’re sending their way.
    I can’t wait for each days entry. Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂

  27. oh Corey, this story is hauntingly beautiful… history like this is something I can only imagine..
    safe travels xo

  28. Thank you for Praque. I have always wanted to visit there. Your photos shine!

  29. Stacy, You’re so-o-o-o right re Bedřich Smetana having composed “The Moldau” (“Vltava” in Czech)! It’s one of six symphonic poems comprising “Ma Vlast” (“My Country”). Those of you familiar with the Israeli national anthem “Hatikvah” will immediately recognize the main melody in “The Moldau.” See more info (including the melody written out in treble clef) at:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A1_vlast

  30. if you are wanting to chain yourself to the city, then it’s official: I have to go! such a beautiful post with pictures that make me want to pack a suitcase.
    thanks for taking me on your trip (vicariously)

  31. I adore Prague. Thanks for letting all of us travel with you. Be sure to visit the Jewish quarter. Exploring the history of the Gollum is so very fun. Another highlight for us was Franz Kafka’s grave. The cemetery was amazing. And Im sure French Husband will look just as cute as my husband did in the yamakas they lend men;)
    Enjoy. Enjoy. Enjoy.

  32. Hi Corey… tried to email you but I don’t use outlook so it did not allow it… anyway I wanted to ask you about accommodation, I am in Paris for the month of September and will travel to Italy for a bit… what I wanted to know is should I book before or just get to a town and look for somewhere to stay… it seems you are doing exactly this, get to a town and find a place to stay… is this right? Or did you book all these places before you got there? Thanks in anticipation or your reply… Vida x

  33. Thanks Auntie and Tonton Yann to make me travel through your blog.
    Not yet on vacation, but nearly though.
    Take care of you both.
    Love.

  34. I’ve always dreamed about visiting Prague one day after seeing a friend’s pics. Now I’m able to do so, thanks to you.

  35. I adore Prague! I have been there on a few occasions, and am constantly enchanted. Yet, when it comes to that joie de vivre, nothing can or will replace Paris and Parisians.

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